Manchester hospitality leaders help local restaurants and bars through Covid-19 crisis

Hospitality leaders in Manchester have come together to launch a ‘Pay It Forward’ voucher initative, in response to the escalating Covid-19 pandemic and recent Government advice to stay away from bars and restaurants.

The campaign has been set up by Manchester PR agency Roland Dransfield, along with Greater Manchester night time economy adviser Sacha Lord and other key authorities in hospitality.

It has been created to encourage the people of Greater Manchester and further afield to buy discounted vouchers at participating restaurants between now and Easter, with a view to redeeming them from May onwards.

For each voucher purchased, restaurants will make a £1 donation to Hospitality Action, the charity which offers vital assistance to all who work within hospitality in the UK.

Specific discounts will be determined by each individual restaurant or hospitality company and will be promoted on their websites and social media accounts.

Lisa Morton, CEO and founder of Roland Dransfield, said: “Manchester is a city that dances on tables, not hides under them. We are also a city that supports one other in the face of adversity.

“This campaign aims to raise consciousness and support for those businesses which are suffering right now, and will help to get cash in their tills.”

Sacha Lord added: “I’ve spoken to the Mayor, and whilst people should heed official Government advice and take the necessary precautions, we also want people to continue to enjoy the night time economy.

“#PayitForward will encourage people to consider how badly some of our city’s best-loved hospitality institutions are suffering currently, and to support them when they most need it.”